DEVOTION: BENEFITS OF FASTING AND PRAYER

03. Januar 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Unleashed to Transform Society through the Gospel and the Power of the Holy Spirit

Fortified City Church / Love City Church / Basel French Assembly / Luzern City Fellowship / ⁠PIWC Bern / ⁠Global prayer family

People of God,

As you read this devotion today, take a notebook and your Bible, slow down, and spend intentional time with the Lord. Do not rush through these words—write down insights, revelations, and prompts from the Holy Spirit. This is not casual reading; it is a spiritual engagement that can position you for breakthroughs in your life, ministry, and society.

If we are truly going to be unleashed to transform society, we must first understand that transformation does not begin in public—it begins in the secret place. Before God changes systems, He changes people. Before He transforms society, He sanctifies the believer.

Fasting and prayer are God’s ordained tools for sanctification, spiritual power, and preparation for kingdom impact.

📖 Matthew 6:16–18 (NKJV)

“Moreover, when you fast… your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Jesus did not say if you fast, but when you fast. This reveals that fasting is not optional for believers who desire spiritual authority, depth, and lasting influence.

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🔥 1. FASTING AND PRAYER RELEASE SPIRITUAL POWER

Fasting positions us to receive power from the Holy Spirit. The early church did not transform society through charisma or strategy alone—they waited on God in prayer and fasting.

📖 Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”

Fasting does not give power by itself, but it creates space for the Holy Spirit to operate freely in and through us.

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🕊️ 2. FASTING AND PRAYER DEEPEN SANCTIFICATION

Transformation requires holiness. There can be no lasting impact without a consecrated life.

📖 Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

When the flesh is subdued, the Spirit is exalted. Fasting separates us from worldly patterns and aligns us with God’s nature, preparing us to carry His presence into society without compromise.

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🌱 3. FASTING AND PRAYER RENEW THE MIND

A transformed society requires transformed minds. Fasting clears spiritual clutter and sharpens spiritual perception.

📖 Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV)

“Present your bodies a living sacrifice… and be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Fasting aligns our thoughts with heaven so that our actions reflect the gospel we preach.

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⛓️ 4. FASTING AND PRAYER BREAK STRONGHOLDS

Some battles cannot be won with intelligence, talent, or effort alone.

📖 Matthew 17:21 (NKJV)

“This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Fasting breaks cycles, destroys yokes, and confronts spiritual resistance—both personal and societal.

📖 Isaiah 58:6 (NKJV)

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness… and to break every yoke?”

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⚔️ 5. FASTING AND PRAYER REVEAL THE ENEMY AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE

The believer must understand that every church ordained and called by God will face opposition. Wherever God builds, the enemy will attempt to resist.

📖 Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)

“I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Just as nations maintain armies to defend territory, the Church is in a spiritual war. Spiritual warfare requires discernment, strategy, and vigilance. Fasting and prayer sharpen the believer’s senses, reveal the plans of the enemy, and empower the church to stand firm.

📖 Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age…”

History teaches us that internal threats are as dangerous as external ones. Just as Julius Caesar was challenged and ultimately betrayed from within, the Church can fall if we ignore vigilance, prayer, and fasting.

📖 Acts 20:29–30 (NKJV)

“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up…”

Fasting disarms the power of darkness, strengthens spiritual sensitivity, and ignites a hunger for God’s Word—the believer’s primary weapon. The book of Acts shows that when the early church devoted themselves to prayer and fasting, miracles, signs, and wonders accompanied them. May we experience the same in Fortified City Church, across Basel, and in all churches called by God.

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🔑 6. FASTING AND PRAYER BRING DIRECTION AND STRATEGY

Those who shape society must first hear God clearly.

📖 Acts 13:2–3 (NKJV)

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said…”

Fasting positions us to receive divine instructions for our families, ministries, careers, and nations.

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✝️ 7. FASTING PREPARES US FOR GOD’S ASSIGNMENT

Jesus Himself fasted before entering public ministry.

📖 Luke 4:1–2, 14 (NKJV)

“Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit… was led by the Spirit into the wilderness… Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit.”

Fasting preceded power. Consecration preceded impact.

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🌍 8. FASTING AND PRAYER EMPOWER SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION

The gospel advances with authority when believers walk in the Spirit’s power.

📖 Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV)

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD.”

Fasting ensures that our efforts to transform society are Spirit-led and not flesh-driven.

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📖 FASTING ACCORDING TO ISAIAH 58

Isaiah 58 teaches us that not all fasting pleases God. God is not impressed by hunger alone—He looks at the heart, attitude, and fruit of our fasting.

📖 Isaiah 58:3 (NKJV)

“Why have we fasted… and You have not seen?”

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✅ THE FAST GOD CHOOSES (DO’S)

• Fast with humility and surrender 📖 Isaiah 58:5; Psalm 51:17

• Seek justice and righteousness 📖 Isaiah 58:6

• Show mercy and compassion 📖 Isaiah 58:7

• Walk in obedience 📖 Isaiah 58:9

• Expect God’s promises 📖 Isaiah 58:8

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❌ FASTING GOD REJECTS (DON’TS)

• Do not fast with strife or unforgiveness 📖 Isaiah 58:4; Mark 11:25

• Do not oppress others 📖 Isaiah 58:3

• Do not fast for appearance 📖 Isaiah 58:5; Matthew 6:16

• Do not ignore the needs of others 📖 Isaiah 58:7

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🌟 PROMISES OF TRUE FASTING

When fasting aligns with God’s heart, He promises:

• Light and clarity (Isaiah 58:8)

• Healing and restoration (Isaiah 58:8)

• Answered prayers (Isaiah 58:9)

• Divine guidance (Isaiah 58:11)

• Strength and renewal (Isaiah 58:11)

• Restoration of foundations (Isaiah 58:12)

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🙏 CLOSING PRAYER

Holy Spirit,

Teach us to fast and pray with understanding.

Sanctify us and empower us.

Remove hypocrisy from our hearts.

Unleash us to transform society through the gospel and Your power.

Let our lives reflect Christ wherever we go.

In Jesus’ mighty name,

Amen.

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Shalom

Rev Joseph Antwi